Human Services and Counseling

Course Descriptions

HS 2103 – Introduction to Human Services – 3 credit hoursProvides an introduction into the helping professions and the roles of human services workers in modern society. In addition, materials overview human service workplace and familiarize students with a variety of helping disciplines. Designed as a foundation for fundamental professional and personal exploration and growth. Recommended: PSYC 1003. General Education: Intermediate – Communication; Intermediate – Inquiry & Analysis.

HS 2203 – Marriage & Family – 3 credit hoursAddresses the institution of marriage and family with an emphasis on the American family. Specifically, students investigate the origin and continuing evolution of the family, human sexuality, love and marriage, gender roles and parenting.

HS 2903 – Introduction to Counseling Theory – 3 credit hoursProvides an introduction to and overview of theories significant to the practice of counseling. Attention will be given to notable individuals and theoretical principles.

Designed as an introduction to group counseling. Introducing group stages, process, and issues including guidelines for multicultural practice, ethical and professional issues, group leadership, and pre-group and post-group procedures. Includes a combination of inter/intrapersonal experiential elements to demonstrate the group counseling process to acquaint each student experientially with the therapeutic group process, group involvement, and several group leadership interventions. General Education: Core – Application & Integration of Knowledge.

HS 3023 – Human Sexuality – 3 credit hoursFocuses on the integration of psychological, social, and biological components of the human body as well as the human emotional system. A systemic approach will be utilized to define “human sexuality.”

HS 3103 – Life Span Development – 3 credit hoursAn overview of the developmental issues of human beings throughout the life span, from conception to death including developmental stages; basic theories, concepts, and principles of development; influences on development; and cultural understanding of development. Also listed as PSYC 3103. Prerequisite: PSYC 1003.

HS 3153 – Abnormal Psychology – 3 credit hoursStudy of the origins, development, and treatment of abnormal, maladaptive, or deviant behavior in society, the etiology and diagnosis of abnormal behavior, and an overview of treatment methods. The Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is utilized to introduce the student to clinical diagnosis. Recommended: HS 2103.

HS 3801-03 – Personal Insight Development – 1-3 credit hoursDesigned to facilitate and assist students in gaining personal insight of self. Experiential focus is on ways to become healthier emotionally and physically. Prerequisite: HS 2103.

HS 3893 – Cultural Diversity: Working with Latino & Hispanics – 3 credit hoursAn introduction to cultural diversity issues among Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States as they relate to human services and counseling provision. Topics will include a conversational introduction to basic Spanish, demographic and socio-cultural variables, the acculturation process, clinical issues, educational considerations, and practical cultural competencies.

HS 4013 – Gender Studies – 3 credit hoursIntroduction to gendered relationships and communication in contemporary American society, the course provides an exploration of communication in families and in society. Additionally, the course defines the function of interpersonal communication in the creation and perpetuation of gender roles. The influence of gender enactment on success, satisfaction, self-esteem, and the counseling profession is also explored. Self-awareness exercises, which stress the application of theory and research, provide the opportunity for personal growth and development.

HS 4053 – Therapeutic Play for Parents & Child Professionals – 3 credit hoursThis experiential course presents ways to build positive relationships with children and communicate more effectively with them, particularly through play. Students will learn to understand children’s emotional needs, nurture their self-esteem, foster their responsibility and cooperation, provide encouragement, and use positive methods of discipline. Students must have access to a child between the ages of three and eight for required play sessions. Both parents and non-parents are welcome in the course.

HS 4233 – Child & Adolescent Interventions – 3 credit hoursOverview of various problematic issues and behaviors specific to children and adolescents. Provides ways to prevent, assess, and treat these problems. Theoretical foundations, ethical concerns, and developmental issues and norms will also be reviewed as they are applied to children and adolescents. Recommended: HS 2103.

HS 4243 – Creative Counseling – 3 credit hoursDesigned to enhance the knowledge of the creative approaches to counseling. Various modalities are studied through a theoretical and experiential framework. Theoretical approaches such as art, music, imagery and bibliotherapy are explored. Recommended: HS 2103.

HS 4253 – Ethics & Multicultural Diversity – 3 credit hoursExamines ethical, professional, and multi-cultural issues/dilemmas within the discipline. Particular emphasis is given to codes of ethics and the parameters of acceptable professional conduct. Human diversity is also a major focus. Recommended: HS 2103. General Education: Mastery – Communication; Mastery – Engaged Local & Global Citizenship.

HS 4283 – Personal Growth & Development – 3 credit hoursFacilitates the personal growth, self-realization, and self-actualization of class participants. The experiential focus is intended to assist students in the development of greater insight into the self, promotion of personal openness, and exploration of individual ego boundaries. Recommended: HS 2103.

HS 4893 – Mental Health Administration – 3 credit hoursIntroduction to knowledge, theory, and skills relating to planning, evaluating, and managing programs. The course will also address the influence of social, political, and community structure on advocacy and social change. Recommended: HS 2103.